CHECK OUT THE PICS HERE!

What’s better than a night in? Aside from almost anything, The Trivs EP launch at ANU Bar is better. In fact, had you spent last night inside watching a movie about nothing important, you would have missed what was indeed a great night of indie, rock, and smoke machine abuse.

I don’t know who was checking ID’s on the door last night, but first band Rubycon looked barely over 18, and that’s if you combined their ages (in fact, to be fair, I was questioned about my sticky-taped ID, and the guy in front of me was pulled up as well, so it wasn’t exactly the relaxed security I make it out to be. Legal disclaimer-ing is done).

Back to Rubycon, these guys have won band comps here and there, and for good reason. They play a slightly rockier indie-pop style, and have just enough (ie. any) falsetto harmonies to satisfy this reviewer. When you wonder who the next local band to make a name for themselves is going to be, think of Rubycon.

In between bands, the Strangeways DJ’s were holding shit down (say – œdown’ with emphasis for the full effect) in between acts, which was a good touch as it kept the crowd dancing and pumped for the next act, rather than just standard house, or – œtime-to-go-to-the-bar-or-the-toilet’, music.

The next band on the bill were another local act, The Rasputniks. Not only showing off their fine musicianship, but also some fine fashion sense and the most unholy of moustaches (in a good way), this is another band to keep an eye on in the local scene. Throwing in a Clash cover is never a bad idea either, and even better is pulling it off with the utmost conviction, rather than some half-arsed effort, of which this was not.

All the way from Melbourne came The Smoke, with hints of indie, straight up rock, and most importantly glam rock, with their lead singer completely owning the stage with his moves and dancing. Think Elvis, I am not kidding. It was awesome. Having recently released their debut LP Blood Orange, and having had The Trivs support them previously, it was good for The Smoke to play their tunes to what was a sizeable and eager Canberra audience.

Anticipation built for The Trivs, and it wasn’t long before they came on stage to a frenzied crowd, and their name spelled out with big letters across the stage. Playing songs from the new EP, titled For Your Health, as well as some oldies from their time in Dubbo, the foursome showed their professional chops in a headlining set worthy of the rapture coming from the audience.

And did someone say – œencore’? It just shows how much of a mark The Trivs have made on the Canberra scene in the past few years to be called back to the stage to play one more song.

If you get a chance, pick up their EP wherever you can find it, and support the hard work these guys have put in.

CHECK OUT THE PICS HERE!